Chilly, sweet, and packed with warm autumn spices—these spiced apple cider slushies are the most refreshing way to savor fall in a glass!
🍎 A Chilled Fall Favorite with a Twist
Spiced apple cider slushies are the best of both worlds—a cool, icy treat that’s full of all the cozy flavors we crave when the leaves start to turn. The moment you take a sip, you get that punch of crisp apple, the mellow hum of cinnamon and clove, and that tingly, frosty texture that keeps you going back for more.
I first made these on a surprisingly warm October afternoon when hot cider just wasn’t the vibe. My kitchen smelled like fall, but the air outside screamed summer—and this slushie was the perfect answer. It’s become a staple at our family’s fall gatherings, especially with kids (and adults!) who want something festive, fun, and flavorful.
Whether you’re tailgating, hosting a harvest party, or just want a cool treat to sip by the fire pit, this recipe delivers fall flavor with a refreshing twist.
🍂 Key Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
Apple Cider
The star of the show! Fresh, unfiltered apple cider brings bold apple flavor and just the right amount of natural sweetness. Make sure you’re using cider, not apple juice—cider has more depth and body.
Cinnamon & Cloves
These warm spices give the drink its classic fall aroma and a cozy, slightly peppery finish. You can use ground spices or steep whole ones in your cider before freezing.
Lemon Juice
A splash of acidity brightens the drink and balances the sweetness. It adds a clean, crisp finish and keeps the flavor from becoming too heavy.
Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar (Optional)
If your cider isn’t sweet enough, just a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar enhances the flavor and deepens the autumn vibes.
Ice (Optional for Quick Blend)
Want instant slushies? Blend with ice instead of freezing ahead of time. It slightly dilutes the flavor but gives instant results!
🧊 How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Slushies (Step-by-Step)
- Start with Spiced Cider
In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of apple cider with ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp ground cloves. Optional: add a cinnamon stick or star anise for a deeper flavor. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to infuse the spices, then cool completely. - Freeze the Cider
Pour the cooled, spiced cider into ice cube trays or a shallow baking dish. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until solid. - Blend into Slush
Once frozen, break the cider into chunks and add to a blender. Blend until you get a thick, icy slush. Add a splash of extra cider or lemon juice to loosen, if needed. - Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste. If you want it sweeter, blend in 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar. - Serve Immediately
Pour into glasses and enjoy with a cinnamon stick garnish or a slice of apple on the rim!
🍁 Serving Suggestions
- Garnish each slushie with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a thin slice of apple for a rustic, fall-inspired look.
- Rim your glasses with cinnamon-sugar for an extra sweet, spiced kick.
- For adults, add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy for a spiked version.
- Serve in mason jars for a farmhouse vibe—perfect for autumn parties or cozy movie nights.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
If you’ve blended too much, store any leftover slushie mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’ll melt into a chilled cider but still taste amazing!
Freezing
You can freeze the cider base in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. When ready, just blend into slush form. Avoid refreezing the fully blended slush—it can get icy and lose texture.
Pro Tip: Keep extra cider ice cubes on hand for impromptu fall cravings!
🍂 Conclusion / Final Thought
Spiced apple cider slushies are a playful, chilly spin on classic autumn flavors. They’re perfect for those crisp days when the sun’s still warm but your heart says “bring on fall.” With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this fun seasonal treat any time.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Did you spike it? Add extra spice? Let me know in the comments below!
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Spiced Apple Cider Slushies – A Frosty Sip of Fall Magic
- Total Time: 53 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cool, cozy, and packed with fall flavor—these slushies are the ultimate seasonal sipper.
Ingredients
4 cups apple cider
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
Optional: 2 cups ice (for quick blend method)
Instructions
In a pot, combine cider, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer for 5–10 min. Cool.
Pour into ice cube trays or a baking dish. Freeze 4 hrs or overnight.
Blend frozen cider with lemon juice (and sweetener, if using) until slushy.
Serve immediately, garnished as desired.
Notes
Nutrition will vary slightly with added sugar or alcohol.
- Cook Time: 4 hrs 10 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 95
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
❓ FAQ: Spiced Apple Cider Slushies
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! Just freeze the cider in a shallow pan and scrape with a fork to create a granita-style slush.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter and less robust. Add extra spices and a splash of lemon for balance.
How do I make it more festive for a party?
Serve in small mason jars with cinnamon sugar rims, or spike with bourbon for an adult-only version!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! Just skip the alcohol, and even reduce the spices slightly if serving younger kids.